Women's basketball: CU Buffs' Linda Lappe nets first recruit of 2014

Guard from Houston gives verbal commitment

The first piece of the 2014 recruiting puzzle has been put into place for the Colorado women's basketball team.

On Monday, Brecca Thomas, a point guard from just outside of Houston, gave a verbal commitment to become a Buffalo next year.

"After I went on my unofficial (visit), it felt very welcoming," said Thomas, who averaged 20.4 points, 5.7 assists, 4.0 rebounds an 3.6 steals per game last year for the Kinkaid School. "I like their style of play and what they have going on. I just fell in love with it and I thought, 'What is stopping me from committing?' There was nothing, so I went ahead."

Per NCAA rules, CU head coach Linda Lappe is not allowed to talk about recruits until they are officially signed. She has, however, stated that one of her priorities for the 2014 class was to land a point guard.

Thomas, who has led Kinkaid to two consecutive private school state titles, fits the bill. She is just 5-feet, 5-inches tall, but is highly regarded. ESPN.com scouts give her a 4-star grade and rank her as the 18th-best point guard in the 2014 class. ESPN.com's evaluation of Thomas states that she has "explosive athleticism" and that "her heart and tenacity definitely keep you intrigued."

Thomas said she had several other offers, including from Southern Methodist, Southern Illinois, Wichita State and UTEP.

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CU's national exposure with the Pac-12 Network, as well as its success last season, made an impression on Thomas. The Buffs went 25-7 and reached the NCAA Tournament for the first time in nine years. They entered the Associated Press Top 25 rankings in December and stayed there the rest of the season. CU was ranked No. 19 in the final AP poll.

"When they broke into the Top 25, that played a big role," Thomas said of her decision to commit to CU.

Twin sisters Ashley and Brittany Wilson, both guards, will graduate after the 2013-14 season. Brittany, in particular, has been a valuable ball handler and part-time point guard during her career.

With the Wilsons leaving, that should leave Ky Weston, who would be a junior, and Thomas, as the point guards for the 2014-15 season. Desiree Harris, a combo guard from Oakland, Calif., and a member of CU's 2013 recruiting class, could also be in the mix at the point.

In addition to the Wilson twins, the Buffs will lose center Rachel Hargis after the 2013-14 season. With 14 players currently under scholarship -- one below the NCAA max of 15 -- and three leaving after next year, the Buffs could sign up to four players in the 2014 class.

Lappe has stated that in addition to a point guard, she is aiming to sign a center and another guard. The fourth spot could go to any position, as the Buffs would be looking at the best player available at that point.

Thomas said she plans to sign her letter of intent during the early signing period, which runs from Nov. 13-20.